Tactical glove

ABSTRACT

A glove employable for both striking and grappling incorporates an articulation hinge for enabling the glove to transition between a clinched fist position for striking and an unclenched open position for grappling. The glove additional incorporates a removable absorbent liner that may be worn over the user&#39;s hand for absorbing sweat. The liner may be removed after use and laundered.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims benefit of the priority dates of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/433,841 (filed Jan. 18,2011), incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to boxing gloves. More particularly, the inventionrelates to boxing gloves that can also be employed for gripping andgrappling.

BACKGROUND

Military combatives and law enforcement defensive tactics are taught bytactical instructors. Tactical instructors have long needed aspecialized training glove which could allow them to train striking likea boxer or kick-boxer without completely sacrificing their grip.Additionally, in institutional settings, tactical training gloves areoften shared by students in order to save on cost. This sharing ofgloves, when combined with the large quantities of sweat thataccumulates in gloves during training, creates both odor and potentialhealth concerns.

What is needed is purpose designed military and law enforcement boxingstyle gloves designed to be employed both for striking and for grippingand grappling typical of scenario simulations. What is needed is multidirectional flexibility in a boxing style glove shape, with ventilationas well as a removable glove insert to prevent the smell and spread ofdisease associated with a shared training glove.

SUMMARY

A first aspect of the invention is directed to a glove employable forboth striking and grappling. One embodiment of this first aspect isdirected to a glove that comprises an exterior flexible shell (1) and adorsal pad (2) incorporated within said exterior flexible shell (1) foraffording strike and shock protection to the dorsal surfaces of theuser's hand, fingers, and wrist. The exterior flexible shell (1)includes a mitten sheath (3) for housing the user's palm and fingers.The exterior flexible shell (1) also includes a wrist band (4) forsecuring the glove to the user's hand. The mitten sheath (3) isconnected to the wrist band (4). The mitten sheath (3) has shapeadaptable for transitioning between a clinched fist position forstriking and an unclenched open position for grappling. The mittensheath (3) has a dorsal side (5) and a palm side (6). The dorsal pad (2)includes a layer of high density foam (7) sandwiched between two layersof low density foam (8). The high density foam (7) has less flexibilitythan the low density foam (8). The dorsal pad (2) is configured with abent shape (9) to conform to fingers positioned in a clenched fistposition for striking. However, the dorsal pad (2) also includes anarticulation hinge (10) for facilitating bending and unbendingrotational motion by the dorsal pad (2) for transitioning to and fromthe clinched fist position and the unclenched open position. The bendingand unbending rotational motion is achieved by clenching and unclenchingof the user's fingers. The articulation hinge (10) of the dorsal pad (2)is positioned within the dorsal pad (2) and the dorsal pad (2) ispositioned within the exterior flexible shell (1) to afford proximity tothe user's metacarpal/proximal phalange joints (11) when the glove isworn by the user. In a preferred embodiment, the articulation hinge (10)is formed by a partial cut into the layer of high density foam. Moreparticularly, the partial cut extends more than half way through thelayer of high density foam. More particularly still, the partial cut ispositioned on the surface of layer of high density foam (7) closest tothe user's hand when the glove is worn by the user.

A second embodiment of the first aspect of the invention incorporatesthe first embodiment, as described above, and further comprises a palmpad (12) and a palm mesh (13). The palm pad (12) is incorporated withinthe exterior flexible shell (1) for affording strike and shockprotection to the anterior surface of the users carpal/metacarpal joint(14). The palm pad (12) is positioned within the exterior flexible shell(1) to afford proximity the user's carpal/metacarpal joint (14) when theglove is worn by the user. The palm mesh (13) is embedded in an openingwithin said exterior flexible shell (1). The palm mesh (13) ispositioned within the exterior flexible shell (1) to afford proximitythe user's metacarpal/proximal phalange joints (11) when the glove isworn by the user. The palm mesh (13) affords ventilation through theexterior flexible shell (1). The palm mesh (13) further facilitatesbending and unbending rotational motion about the articulation hinge(10) of the dorsal pad (2).

A third embodiment of the first aspect of the invention incorporates thefirst and/or second embodiments, as described above, but is furtherdistinguished by the exterior flexible shell (1) further including anarticulated thumb sheath (15) for housing the user's thumb, includingthe tip of the user's thumb. The articulated thumb sheath (15) isattached to the mitten sheath (3) in conformance with the user'scarpometacarpal joint (14) for facilitating extension of the user'sthumb during grappling. The thumb sheath (15) has a dorsal side (16) anda palm side (17). The glove further comprises a thumb pad (18) and areinforcement strip (19). The thumb pad (18) extends from the dorsalside (15) of the thumb sheath (15) over the tip of the thumb sheath (18)and down the palm side (17) of the thumb sheath (15) to the mittensheath (3) adjacent to the user's metacarpal/proximal phalange join(11). The thumb pad (18) has a bent shape (19) for imparting curvaturein an inwardly direction, angling the user's thumb toward the user'sfingers so as to reduce accidental gouging. The reinforcement strip (19)is attached to and extends from the tip of the articulated thumb sheath(15) to the palm side (6) of the mitten sheath (3) for protecting theuser's thumb against hyperextension. In a further embodiment, the glovefurther compromises an anti-microbial applied to a glove elementselected from the group consisting of the exterior flexible shell (1),the dorsal pad (2), the palm pad (12), the palm mesh (13), and the thumbpad (18).

A fourth embodiment of the first aspect of the invention incorporatesthe first and/or second and/or third embodiments, as described above,but further compromises a removable absorbent liner (20) for absorbingthe user's sweat. The liner has a mitten shape and is insertable withinthe glove while being worn on the user's hand. In a further embodiment,the glove further compromises an anti-microbial applied to the exteriorflexible shell (1), the dorsal pad (2), the palm pad (12), the palm mesh(13), the thumb pad (18), and the liner (20).

A second aspect of the invention is directed to an improved method formanufacturing a glove according to the first aspect of the invention.The improvement comprises the additional step of imparting anarticulated hinge (10) to a high density layer of a dorsal pad (2) bypartially cutting into the high density layer for forming a score line.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the tactical glove ofthe present invention illustrating the mesh on the palm side of theglove and the articulated thumb sheath.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the removable absorbent liner (20),poised for insertion into the tactical glove or FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the tactical glove of FIG. 1, illustratingthe dorsal and its internal structure.

FIG. 4 is a phantom view of the anatomy of the human hand within a priorart mixed martial arts glove, illustrating the carpals (11), thecarpal/metacarpal joint (14), the metacarpals (13), themetacarpal/proximal phalanges joint (11), the proximal phalanges (15),the intermediate phalanges (16), and the distal phalanges (17).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The glove includes a flexible palm to allow the user's hand to open andclose more easily. Boxing gloves are typically flexible in onedirection, viz., closing the grip. One or more cuts in the dense layerof the impact foam, allows reduction of the normal constriction ofexternal materials that impede movement. The cut serves as anarticulation hinge (10). The foam structure guides he hand to rest in acurved position for boxing style strikes. These changes arecounterintuitive as boxing gloves are used typically for punching notpalm strikes, gripping and grappling.

Thumb padding (18) covering the tip of the thumb helps to protectagainst accidental gouging. At least one centimeter of foam extends overthe tip of the thumb and down the inside of the thumb to the firstjoint. The thumb curvature and positioning reduces accidental gouging. Agentle inward angling of the thumb toward the other four fingerssupporting the safety concept of the glove as well as encouraging properform. The thumb sheath (15) is attached to main body of glove in amanner that provides maximal freedom of movement and proper gripping forself defense and tactical simulations. Strips of reinforcement (19) toprotect the thumb against hyperextension run up the inner palm to thetip of the thumb. A palm pad (12) is provided for hand protection andpartner impact dispersal. A removable liner (20) serves to protectagainst the spread of disease, smell, sweat etc. inside the glove.Alternatively, the liner (20) may be a multi-layer insert with satin andabsorbent quick drying material. Anti-microbial materials are employedto reduce the spread of disease. External seams are employed to minimizefriction on the hand for self defense and tactical simulations. Mesh(13) at the palm above the padded striking surface (12) provides maximumventilation.

The textile or surface layer may be treated with an antimicrobial agentto reduce odor-causing and/or pathogenic microorganisms. Examples ofsuch antimicrobial agents include: silane functionalized quaternaryamines such as Microbe Shield™ available from AEGIS Environments;colloidal silver solutions such as Silpure™ available from ThompsonResearch Associates, Canada, silver chelated polymer solutions such asSilvaDur™ available from Rohm & Haas; biguanides such aspolyhexamethylene biguanide sold under the trade names Vantocil™ andCosmocil™ available from Arch Chemicals; and a formulation sold underthe name of GermPro™ available from Germ Patrol LLC, Largo, Fla.

The wrist band (4) may incorporate a hook and loop fastening mechanismor may be easily modified to employ elastic, laces, buckles etc.Incorporating a weight shift from 16 oz to 14 oz is desirable, but thiscan be varied as far as target weight and base size (EG 12 oz to 10 oz)and expanded to a greater gap between the weights (EG 16 oz to 12 oz) toan extreme level like 16 oz to 6 oz sizes.

A preferred embodiment incorporates a palm mesh (13) in the palm, but anopen palm boxing glove, without palm mesh (13), may also be employed.The liner insert (20) is illustrated as not being attached to the glovein the present embodiment. However, as an alternative embodiment, theliner insert (20) could easily be attached at the wrist with hook andloop fastener, stitching or bonding. Also, the mitten shape of the linerinsert (20) could be varied to have individual fingers.

EXAMPLES First Example

Example No. 1 illustrates a specialized training glove that allows theuser to strike like a boxer or kickboxer without sacrificing the abilityto grip. Conventional boxing gloves do not permit normal gripping.Example No. 1 has the same weight and protective cushioning as a regularsize 16 ounce glove, but in the smaller, more realistic form factor of a14 oz glove. This glove encourages better defensive habits, and fitscomfortably on most hands. Each pair of Example No. 1 boxing gloves alsoincludes one pair of machine-washable removable glove inserts (20), tohelp keep gloves clean and sanitary, and fight the spread of skindiseases.

Key features for Example No. 1 include the following:

-   -   1. A flexible dorsal pad (2), having jointed foam inside glove        with an articulation hinge (10) allows for ease of opening hand        for grabbing;    -   2. The structure and curvature of glove incorporates a bent        shape (9) that provides the user's hand a natural form for safe        striking;    -   3. A padded palm (12) allows for safer palm strikes;    -   4. Removable inserts (20) encourage cleanliness and prevents        spread of skin diseases;    -   5. An unlocked opposable thumb sheath (15) allows full gripping        and tactical simulations;    -   6. Reinforcement strips (19) protect the thumb from        hyperextension;    -   7. Padding (18) on both sides of the thumb protects against        incidental contact with the eyes;    -   8. Stiff wrist cuff (4) and secure Velcro strap secure the wrist        while striking;    -   9. Multi-layer, multi-density foam and sponge materials (7 & 8)        provide for optimal safety during sparring;    -   10. Air flows into this glove through a special mesh ventilation        point (13) located in the grip;    -   11. Ventilation mesh (13) also provides enhanced gripping        capability;    -   12. 16 oz weight and protection in the compacted size of a 14 oz        glove;    -   13. Double-stitching is used as needed to protect seams;    -   14. Interior and exterior materials are treated with a unique        combination of germ killing agents proven effective against        infectious microorganisms—including several that are of great        concern to the medical community and governments including        Staph, MRSA, Ringworm, and others. The formula is applied to the        materials at the factory producing a long-term bond that        strengthens material and defeats the colonization of microbes        seeking attachment and growth on surfaces.

Preferred materials and alternate materials for Example No. 1 are asfollows: The glove is constructed using an advanced, man-made leather(herein referred to as MML), composed of a non-woven fabric. It consistsof ultra-fine fibers, as fine as 0.05 micron to imitate collagen fiberbundles. The bundles are impregnated with polyurethane to improveflexibility and conformability. The fabric is three times stronger thanleather, requiring only a third of real leather's weight to achieveequal tear strength. More durable and consistent than real leather, thematerial resists abrasion better, will not dry out or become brittle,and does not wear down after years of use. If man-made leather matchingthese specifications is not available, then to ensure quality, the glovecan be made from Grade A natural leather.

Multiple shock-absorbent cushioning materials are used in this design,including a polymer composite containing a chemically engineereddilatant to function as an energy absorber. This advanced material, usedto absorb the heaviest impacts, is lightweight, soft and flexible but onshock locks together to absorb and disperse energy, before instantlyreturning to its flexible state. If this advanced material is notavailable, a thicker layer of dense, closed cell foam can be employed inits place to ensure user safety and product longevity.

Measurements for Example No. 1 are as follows:

-   -   From bottom to top of glove: 11″;    -   Left to right: 7″; and    -   Front to back: 5″.

Gray MML material palm with breathable mesh panel:

-   -   Double-stitched connection between thumb and palm covered by        folded and stitched MML material strip;    -   Palm padding: 0.25″ thick foam;    -   Palm measurements: 3.5″ at end of fingers, 6″ across palm, 5″        from outer side of hand to thumb base 11″ From Bottom of Wrist        to end of Fingers (when palm is stretched open);    -   Length of split in wrist: 5″; and    -   Mesh Panel: 6″ across upper palm, 0.875″ at edges, 2.5″ at        center.

The wrist cuff dimensions are as follows:

-   -   Securely attached to wrist strap, main padding area, palm and        interior lining with double stitching;    -   Soft piping circles the outer edges of the wrist cuff, including        the split in the wrist;    -   Single layer closed cell foam: 0.375″ thick×3.5″×10″;    -   Exterior MML material Panel: 4″×11″;    -   Interior MML material Panel: 3.5″×5.5″; and    -   Soft Piping: 21″.

Specifications for velcro wrist strap:

-   -   Securely attached to wrist cuff with double stitching;    -   MML material strap dimensions: 10.5″×3.25″ (width narrows to        2.75″ at strap base);    -   Velcro Strip on underside: 8.25″×2.75″;    -   MML material Panel on underside near base of strap: 2″×2.5″; and    -   Soft piping: 23″.

Specification for the main padding area:

-   -   fist and thumb padding made from multilayer foam;    -   Padded thumb-tip;    -   fist and thumb covered with single piece of MML material;    -   Wrist cuff made from a single piece of dense, closed cell foam;        and    -   Wrist cuff covered on top with a single piece of black MML        material and a Velcro loop strip. The Velcro loop strip is        secured by double stitching. The wrist cuff and fist/thumb        panels are joined with double stitching.    -   165° curve from top of knuckles to fingers;    -   110° curve from thumb-base to thumb-tip.

The 3 layers of padding are composed as follows:

-   -   Outer layer: sponge foam;    -   Middle layer: dense, closed cell foam;    -   Inner layer: sponge foam;    -   2″ thick at knuckles;    -   1.25″ thick at fingers and above wrist; and    -   1″ thick at thumb-tip.

Dimensions of the glove are as follows:

-   -   Wrist Cuff: 0.5″ thick foam reinforcement: 4.25″×5.5″    -   Covering (top side): 4.25″×5.5″    -   From top of wrist cuff to top of knuckles: 5″    -   From top of knuckles to fingers: 5″    -   From top of wrist cuff to fingers: 13″ (curved surface)    -   Across knuckles; 6″    -   Across fingers: 4″    -   At top of wrist cuff: 5″

Thumb dimensions are as follows:

-   -   5″ from wrist to thumb-tip;    -   3″ from thumb-base to thumb-tip; and    -   3″ across thumb, 8″ around thumb.

Inner liner (20) is composed of satin material. One pair of removableliner inserts (20) is included with each glove pair

Example No. 2

Key features for Example No. 2 are as follows:

-   -   1. Inner-anti-microbial satin liner keeps sweat and bacteria        away from other glove users;    -   2. Outer material is absorbent keeping gloves dry and sanitary;    -   3. Proper use reduces spread of skin infections such as Staph,        MRSA, Ringworm, etc.;    -   4. Machine washable;    -   5. Fits most boxing gloves; and    -   6. Interior and exterior materials are treated with a unique        combination of germ killing agents proven effective against        infectious microorganisms—including several that are of great        concern to the medical community and governments including        Staph, MRSA, Ringworm, and others. The formula is applied to the        materials at the factory producing a long-term bond that        strengthens material and defeats the colonization of microbes        seeking attachment and growth on surfaces.

Measurements for Example No. 2 are as follows:

-   -   180° curve around fingers;    -   180° curve around thumb;    -   From opening of glove to end of fingers: 13.5″;    -   Across fingers: 8″;    -   Across wrist: 6.25″;    -   Across thumb: 3″;    -   Length of thumb: 3.25″;    -   From wrist to outside thumb-base: 4.25″;    -   From inside thumb-base to fingers: 5″; and    -   Soft piping: 38″.

Each glove pair includes one pair of removable inserts (20).

1. A glove employable for both striking and grappling, the glovecomprising: an exterior flexible shell including a mitten sheath forhousing the users palm and fingers and a wrist band for securing theglove to the user's hand, the mitten sheath being connected to the wristband, the mitten sheath having shape adaptable for transitioning betweena clinched fist position for striking and an unclenched open positionfor grappling, the mitten sheath having a dorsal side and a palm side,and a dorsal pad incorporated within said exterior flexible shell foraffording strike and shock protection to the dorsal surfaces of theuser's hand, fingers, and wrist, the dorsal pad including a layer ofhigh density foam sandwiched between two layers of low density foam, thehigh density foam having less flexibility than the low density foam, thedorsal pad configured with a bent shape to conform to fingers positionedin a clenched fist position for striking, the dorsal pad including anarticulation hinge for facilitating bending and unbending rotationalmotion by the dorsal pad to and from the clinched fist position and theunclenched open position by clenching and unclenching of the user'sfingers, the articulation hinge being positioned within the dorsal padand the dorsal pad being positioned within the exterior flexible shellto afford proximity to the user's metacarpal/proximal phalange jointswhen the glove is worn by the user.
 2. The glove of claim 1 wherein thearticulation hinge is formed by a partial cut into the layer of highdensity foam.
 3. The glove of claim 2 wherein the partial cut extendsmore than half way through the layer of high density foam.
 4. The gloveof claim 3 wherein the partial cut is positioned on the surface of layerof high density foam closest to the user's hand when the glove is wornby the user.
 5. The glove of claim 1 further comprising: a palm padincorporated within the exterior flexible shell for affording strike andshock protection to the anterior surface of the users carpal/metacarpaljoint, the palm pad being positioned within the exterior flexible shellto afford proximity the user's carpal/metacarpal joint when the glove isworn by the user; and a palm mesh embedded in an opening within saidexterior flexible shell for affording ventilation through the exteriorflexible shell and for facilitating bending and unbending rotationalmotion about the articulation hinge of the dorsal pad, the palm meshbeing positioned within the exterior flexible shell to afford proximitythe user's metacarpal/proximal phalange joints when the glove is worn bythe user.
 6. The glove of claim 1, wherein the exterior flexible shellfurther including an articulated thumb sheath for housing the user'sthumb, including the tip of the user's thumb, the articulated thumbsheath attached to the mitten sheath in conformance with the user'scarpometacarpal junction for facilitating extension of the user's thumbduring grappling, the mitten sheath having a dorsal side and a palmside, and the glove further comprising: a thumb pad extending from thedorsal side of the thumb sheath over the tip of the thumb sheath anddown the inside of the thumb sheath to the mitten sheath adjacent to theuser's metacarpal/proximal phalange join, the thumb pad having a bentshape for imparting curvature in an inwardly direction, angling theuser's thumb toward the user's fingers so as to reduce accidentalgouging, and a reinforcement strip attached to and extending from a tipof the articulated thumb sheath to the mitten sheath in an inner palmregion for protecting the user's thumb against hyperextension.
 7. Theglove of claim 6 further compromising: an anti-microbial applied to aglove element selected from the group consisting of the exteriorflexible shell, the dorsal pad, the palm pad, the palm mesh, and thethumb pad.
 8. The glove of claim 1 further compromising: a removableabsorbent liner for absorbing the user's sweat, the liner having amitten shape and being insertable within the glove while being worn onthe user's hand.
 9. The glove of claim 8 further compromising: ananti-microbial applied to a glove element selected from the groupconsisting of the exterior flexible shell, the dorsal pad, the palm pad,the palm mesh, the thumb pad, and the liner.
 10. An improved method formanufacturing a glove according to claim 1, wherein the improvementcomprises the additional step of imparting an articulated hinge to ahigh density layer of a dorsal pad by partially cutting into the highdensity layer for forming a score line.